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IDS denies benefit blame claims

The Work and Pensions Secretary has denied reports he tried to blame officials for the failures in the Government's flagship benefit reform scheme. A critical report by MPs claimed at least £140m had been wasted by the Universal Credit programme.

Universal Credit scheme has 'wasted £140 million'

The Government's flagship benefit reform has been savaged by MPs for "shocking" failures and "alarmingly weak" management that have already wasted at least £140 million.

The Government's flagship benefit reform has been savaged by MPs for "shocking" failures that have already wasted at least £140 million. Credit: PA

Secretaries were allowed to authorise purchase orders worth more than £20 million, and in some cases it is unclear what suppliers have been paid for, according to a damning report by the Public Accounts Committee.